Thomas F. Riley Wilderness Park (Riley Park) boasts 544 acres of beautiful, natural, open space. While its five miles of trails are popular with hikers, mountain bikers, and equestrians, and it’s vast natural fields are growing in popularity with photographers, it seems little known to the general public. The amenities at Riley Park include: Amphitheater Bicycling/Bike Trails Equestrian Trails Family Picnic Area Hiking Trails Interpretive Center Interpretive Programs Restrooms (Portable) Scenic Overlook Picnic Tables The five miles of open trails are a joy for hikers, mountain bikers, and equestrians. But because it remains somewhat of a “secret spot,” it is generally never very crowded. And even on a “busy” Saturday morning, it’s vast trails provide isolation hard to find in most parts of Orange County. Amenities for equestrians are available directly adjacent to the parking lot. The amphitheater would be a...

Even among South Orange County natives, you will find confusion about where exactly “Wagon Wheel” is located. It does have an interesting name, and, to be honest, until a couple years ago when a friend moved there, I had no idea where it was… and I lived about 10 minutes North of it! Wagon Wheel is a residential master planned community located in Trabuco Canyon. Trabuco Canyon spans a large area in Orange County, and encompasses many different subdivisions from as far North as the El Toro and Live Oak Canyon Roakds and as far South as Oso, where Wagon Wheel is located. Wagon Wheel lies adjacent to Rancho Santa Margarita, off Oso Parkway in-between Las Flores and the South side of Coto de Caza. Wagon Wheel boasts a great little community pocket park, called Ronald G Wells Park at...